Kallum Booth

Recent graduate, Kallum Booth, secured a role as a graduate Civil Engineer at AtkinsRealis, where he uses the skills and experience that he gained whilst studying BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering. These skills have enabled him to produce detailed CAD designs for new railway infrastructure, conduct calculations for new designs and survey sites to better understand the design conditions.

The course empowered Kallum to stand out in a competitive field due to his knowledge of 3D and 2D CAD, structural calculations and surveying. It also reinforced his passion for using drone technology to create 3D models and digital twins of real-life assets and areas. 

Memories from his time at University

Kallum’s favourite memory was attending a residential trip in his second year as Covid restrictions eased. The trip, ‘The Brunel Experience’, took place towards Bristol and Chedder Gorge and he was able to view some of the engineering structures that were completed in the early 20th century.

“After a year of distance learning, this was the first opportunity to get to know my fellow classmates and I made some good friends who I am still close with today.” 

One of Kallum’s memorable moments from his time at the University of Derby was delivering the vote of thanks speech at the his graduation ceremony.  

Kallum’s journey into engineering

Starting his course, Kallum had a passion for problem solving and mathematical skills, however he was unsure about what his future might look like. He found the course challenging yet enjoyable, spending his time at Markeaton Street and Brittania Mill campuses studying with friends and attending lectures.

Through the practical skills acquired on the course, he developed his technical aptitudes, which enabled him to secure a placement during his third year. During this time, Kallum developed an interest in drone surveying which he pursued with the support of academics and technicians.

Benefits of a placement year

Through his studies Kallum completed a year in industry with construction contractor Graham Construction as a placement site engineer. Over this period, he spent six months on a nuclear site in Scotland where they were decommissioning the power plant and another seven months on a highways project, improving J28 on the M25 in Essex to reduce congestion between the motorway and the A12. This allowed Kallum to use of the skills he learnt during his course in a high-pressure environment where every task had a tight deadline.  

Advice for students

As a recent graduate, Kallum’s advice for students is get involved in different placements as this will enable them to find their passion and become highly employable in the competitive job market.

For students who are interested in working in design, Kallum recommends getting experience on site to understand the practical application of design to the construction process. He also suggested focusing on CAD skills as these are essential for the responsibilities of the role. 

Professional career 

Since graduating, Kallum’s biggest success has been working on HS2, producing designs for new drainage systems at the north end of the project near Crewe.  

Kallum plans to start a part time online MSc in Advanced Structural Engineering, whilst working towards the Incorporated Engineer status with the Institute of Civil Engineers. This will support his overall goal of becoming a Chartered Engineer. Moreover, Kallum is eager to take on greater responsibility and potentially open his own consulting business, producing designs for commercial projects.